Entry control device

ABSTRACT

An entry control device comprises a stop plate pivotally mounted within a housing for movement to a raised position above the housing. The housing contains an electric relay having an armature connected to a lever member which urges the stop plate into its raised position when the relay is energized. Circuit connections are provided for alternatively raising the stop plate using a push button switch located inside a door, raising the stop plate using a key-operated switch located on the outside of the door or setting a switch so that the stop plate is raised automatically in the event that the door is opened by an intruder. An alarm system is also provided having a switch activated by the door stop in the event that the door is opened by an intruder.

United States Patent [191 Serrano [451 July 22,1975

[ ENTRY CONTROL DEVICE [76] Inventor: Salomon Serrano, 684-222nd St.,

Bronx, N.Y. 10467 22 Filed: Jan. 25, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 436,617

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,967,790 7/1934 Tarrant. 340/274 Primary Examiner-Herman Hohauser Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kenneth S. Goldfarb [57] ABSTRACT An entry control device comprises a stop plate pivotally mounted within a housing for movement to a raised position above the housing. The housing contains an electric relay having an armature connected to a lever member which urges the stop plate into its raised position when the relay is energized. Circuit connections are provided for alternatively raising the stop plate using a push button switch located inside a door, raising the stop plate using a key-operated switch located on the outside of the door or setting a switch so that the stop plate is raised automatically in the event that the door is opened by an intruder. An alarm system is also provided having a switch activated by the door stop in the event that the door is opened by an intruder.

7 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEnJuL 22 ms SHEET 2 3.896.316

FIG. 5

FIG. 8

ENTRY CONTROL DEVICE REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is copending with application Ser. No. 302,186 filed Oct. 30, 1972 for. FOOT OPER- ATED DOOR STOP.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an entry control device which braces the lower portion of a door against unwanted entry. More specifically, this invention provides an electrically operated door stop that lodges within a floor behind the door and shoves the lower portion of the door to prevent it from being opened for unwanted entrance.

2. Description of the Prior Art The vulnerability of conventional chains and latches, which are employed to prevent doors from being opened sufficiently to give access to would-be intruders, to severance, disengagement and bursting is well known. In addition to their deficiencies as a safety apparatus, conventional devices for preventing doors from opening completely become undesirable in their everyday use when they gouge-the edges of doors and scratch the rear of doors and adjacent paneling. What is needed is a door stop for prevention of doors opening completely without the foregoing major deficiencies. My previous application provides a foot operated door stop and the present invention provides an electrically operated door stop apparatus to meet this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention accomplishes its desired objects by providing an electrically operated door stop apparatus having a housing capable of being floor mounted, a stop plate pivotally connected with the housing and electrical means mounted in the housing for pivoting the stop plate into a raised shoring position for the door. Also provided is a pivotal stoppage memher that ceases the pivotation of the stop plate when a finger member, which is connected to an end of the stop plate, attains contact with the top of the pivotal stoppage member. Electrical switches and circuit connections are provided to raise the stop plate responsive to any one of the following steps: activation of a push button switch located on the inside of the doorway, turning a key operated switch located on the outside of the door or the opening of the door by an intruder after a selected switch has been set. Circuit connections are also provided which activate an alarm system when a member on the door comes in contact with the stop plate.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an electrically operated door stop for preventing a door from completely opening that is more durable than any conventional apparatus.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus which may be operated by one hand of the occupant even while the other hand of the occupant is occupied as when accepting a false telegram, package or message which may permit an intruder to force access through a door or like closure under false pretenses. Such entry is prevented by the automatic operation of the present invention.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which activates an alarm systemin the event BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrically operated door stop apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the invention with the door stop shown in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the door stop in a raised position in contact with a door;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevation view taken along the plane of the line 44 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of an additional feature of the invention showing a stop assembly in an open position and in contact with the door stop which is in a raised position;

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 5 showing the stop assembly in a closed position in contact with the door-stop which is in a raised position and with the door slightly opened;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the stop assembly of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic wiring diagram of circuit connections in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With continuing reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views, a housing is mounted within floor 122 by screws 124 and includes end walls 126, 128 and opposed side walls 138. The housing 120 also includes a base 130 and a partial top 132. The base 130 and the partial top 132 are connected to end walls. 126, 128 and opposed side walls 138. The partial top 132 is supported by support column 139.

A stop plate 134 which is substantially rectangular in shape is pivotally mounted within the housing 120 on a shaft 136 which extends between the opposed side walls 138. Stop plate 134 has an end 140 semicylindrical in shape and an end 142 tapering from the circumference of the end 140 into an essentially blunt straight edge. A finger member 144 is connected to the end 140. When the stop plate 134 is in a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 2, the end 142 is situated closely adjacent the partial top 132, and stop plate 134 is essentially aligned with the plane of the partial top 132. Pivotal stoppage member 148 is connected to the base 130 and has top sides 154, 156 and vertex 158. Top side 154 defines an arcuate groove closely juxtaposed to the lower portion of the circumferential surface of the end 140 and the top side 156 defines an essentially straight downward sloping side. When the stop plate 134 is in a raised position as illustrated in FIG. 3, the lower half of the end 140, the bottom of the finger member 144, and the connecting point of the finger member 144 and the end 140 are meshed with the top sides 154, 156 and the vertex 158, respectively; thereby preventing the end 142 of the stop plate 134 from pivoting too high which would reduce the effectiveness of the stop plate 134 as a preventer for keeping the door 184 from opening completely. The member 148 is attached by screws or is welded to the base 130, or is in one piece with the base 130 when integrally molded.

Also included within the housing 120 are electrical means 200 for raising the stop plate 134 and maintaining the stop plate 134 in the raised position. The means 200 for raising the stop plate 134 include a solenoid type relay 202 which is mounted on the base 130 adjacent to the wall 126. Relay 202 has an armature plate 204 which is pulled into the body of the relay 202 in the direction of the arrow 206 in FIG. 3 when the relay is energized. Relay 202 has wires 208 and 210 which are connected to a source of electrical power in a manner to be presently described. Armature plate 204 is connected to a tension spring 212 which in turn is connected to end 214 of pivot member 216. Pivot member 216 has an intermediate portion 218 pivotally mounted on shaft 220 which extends between side walls 138 of the housing 120 and a bent end portion 222. When the relay 202 is energized the armature plate 204 is pulled in the direction of the arrow 206 in F IG. 3, thus pulling the tension spring 212, causing the pivot member 216 to pivot about the shaft 220 and causing the bent end portion 222 to bear against the stop plate 134 and to raise the stop plate 134 to its raised position as illustrated in FIG. 3. When energization of the relay 202 ceases, the tension in tension spring 212 is relieved and the stop plate 134 falls to a closed position shown in FIG. 2.

Protector member 224 is fastened to door 184 for the purpose of preventing the end 142 of the stop plate 134 from gouging the door 184 when the stop plate 134 is in its raised position. Protector member 224 encloses an electrical switch 226 having an actuator 228 which projects from a channel 230 in the protector member 224. The actuator 228 is positioned so that opening of the door 184 when the stop plate 134 is in raised position causes the end 232 of the actuator to contact the end 142 of the stop plate 134 and thus complete an electrical circuit for the purpose of activating an alarm system. The alarm system may be an audible alarm 234 positioned on wall 236 adjacent to the door 184 as shown in FIG. 1, or the alarm system may be a silent alarm located in a remote area. The audible alarm 234 has a switch 238 for shutting off the alarm 234 without moving the stop plate 134. The audible alarm system can also be deactivated by pressing down the finger on top of end 232 so as to provide manual operation from inside.

Circuit connections for energizing the relay 202 and lifting the stop plate 134 to its raised position are shown in FIG. 8. A first push button switch 238 is provided in series with the relay 202 and a source of electrical power. In parallel with the first push button switch there is provided a key operated switch 240. Also in parallel with the first push button switch 238 there is provided the series combination of a normally closed door jamb push button switch 240 and a second push button switch 242. The first and second push button switches, 238 and 242, are mounted on the door jamb 244 inside the door 184. The key switch 240 is mounted on the outside of the door 184. The normally closed door jamb push button switch 240 is mounted in a recess in the door jamb 244 and is disposed so that when the door 184 is closed the normally closed door jamb push button switch 240 is open and when the door is open, this switch 240 is closed. When the first push button switch 238 is closed the relay 202 is energized and the stop plate 134 moves to its raised position. The door 184 can be opened slightly so that a visitor can be interviewed safely. The stop plate 134 can also be moved to its raised position from outside the door by means of the key switch 240. When the second push button switch 242 is closed and the door 184 is subsequently opened, the normally closed door jamb push button switch 240 closes and the stop plate 134 moves to its raised position, thus preventing unwanted entry.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a stop assembly 246 is attached to the door 184 replacing protector member 224. Stop assembly 246 includes a support frame 248 having opposed sides 250 and 252, a back portion 254 attached to door 184 and a pivot plate 256 having sides 258, 260 and 264 with the pivot plates 256 pivotally mounted between sides 250 and 252 of the support frame 248. Support rod 264 has a first end 266 pivotally attached to side 250 of support frame 248 and a second end 268 which slides in an arcuate slot 270 in side 258. Tension spring 272, extending between side 260 of the pivot plate 256 and the back portion 259 of the support frame 248, is provided to aid in maintaining the stop assembly 246 in an open position. The stop assembly 246 is proportioned so that when in its open position, illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, side 260 of the pivot plate 256 bears against end 142 of stop plate 134, thus preventing opening of the door 184. When the stop assembly 246 is in its closed position the door 184 can be opened slightly as is illustrated in FIG. 6, and pad 274 attached to the pivot plate 256, prevents gouging of surface 276.

A latitude of modification, substitution and change is intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features.

What is claimed is:

1. An entry control device comprising a housing having end walls and opposed side walls, a base and a partial top, said base and partial top being connected to said end walls and side walls, a substantially rectangular stop plate having a first end pivotally mounted to shaft means within said housing and a second opposed end rotatable about said shaft to raised and closed positions, said stop plates being essentially aligned with the plane of said partial top, finger means attached to said first end of said stop plate, stop means connected to said base and positioned to engage said finger means when'said stop plate is pivoted to open position, second pivotable means within said housing for urging said stop plate to raised and closed positions, electrical means within said housing for actuating said second pivotable means, said electrical means being disposed on said base within said housing and providing support means for said second end of said stop plate when in closed position, and circuit connecting means for connecting said electrical means to a source of electric power.

2. An entry control device according to claim 1, wherein said electrical means includes solenoid relay means having an armature plate connected to said second pivotable means by tension spring means.

3. An entry control device according to claim 1,

wherein said circuit connection means includes a first push button switch connected in series between said electrical means and said source of electrical power.

4. An entry control device according to claim 3, wherein said circuit connection means includes a keyoperated switch connected in parallel with said first push button switch.

5. An entry control device according to claim 3, wherein said circuit connection means comprises a normally closed push button switch for mounting in a door jamb, and a second push button switch, said normally closed push button switch and said second push button switch being connected in series, said series combination of said normally closed push button switch and said second push button switch being connected in parallel with said first push button switch.

6. An entry control device according to claim l, in cluding a protective member for mounting on the inside of a door facing said housing, electrical switch means disposed on said protective member, an alarm system, circuit connection means connecting said switch means and said alarm system for activating said alarm system when said electrical switch means are closed as a result of said switch means bearing against said stop plate when said door is opened.

7. An entry control device according to claim 1, including a stop assembly for mounting on the inside of a door facing said housing, said stop assembly comprising a support frame, having opposed sides and a back portion, a pivot plate pivotally mounted between the side walls of said support frame and movable shoring support means connecting said support frame and said pivot plate for raising said pivot plate to a raised position for engaging said second end of said stop plate when in raised position. 

1. An entry control device comprising a housing having end walls and opposed side walls, a base and a partial top, said base and partial top being connected to said end walls and side walls, a substantially rectangular stop plate having a first end pivotally mounted to shaft means within said housing and a second opposed end rotatable about said shaft to raised and closed positions, said stop plates being essentially aligned with the plane of said partial top, finger means attached to said first end of said stop plate, stop means connected to said base and positioned to engage said finger means when said stop plate is pivoted to open position, second pivotable means within said housing for urging said stop plate to raised and closed positions, electrical means within said housing for actuating said second pivotable means, said electrical means being disposed on said base within said housing and providing support means for said second end of said stop plate when in closed position, and circuit connecting means for connecting said electrical means to a source of electric power.
 2. An entry control device according to claim 1, wherein said electrical means includes solenoid relay means having an armature plate connected to said second pivotable means by tension spring means.
 3. An entry control device according to claim 1, wherein said circuit connection means includes a first push button switch connected in series between said electrical means and said source of electrical power.
 4. An entry control device according to claim 3, wherein said circuit connection means includes a key-operated switch connected in parallel with said first push button switch.
 5. An entry control device according to claim 3, wherein said circuit connection means comprises a normally closed push button switch for mounting in a door jamb, and a second push button switch, said normally closed push button switch and said second push button switch being connected in series, said series combination of said normally closed push button switch and said second push button switch being connected in parallel with said first push button switch.
 6. An entry control device according to claim 1, including a protective member for mounting on the inside of a door facing said housing, electrical switch means disposed on said protective member, an alarm system, circuit connection means connecting said switch means and said alarm system for activating said alarm system when said electrical switch means are closed as a result of said switch means bearing against said stop plate when said door is opened.
 7. An entry control device according to claim 1, including a stop assembly for mounting on the inside of a door facing said housing, said stop assembly comprising a support frame, having opposed sides and a back portion, a pivot plate pivotally mounted between the side walls of said support frame and movable shoring support meaNs connecting said support frame and said pivot plate for raising said pivot plate to a raised position for engaging said second end of said stop plate when in raised position. 